Residents are welcoming the trial of a one-way system in two busy village streets.

From Monday July 13, both Queen Street and Chapel Street - entering Queen Street from Shilton Road - will become one way.

There will also be changes to on-street parking in the area, which will include the lifting of restrictions on a stretch of Chapel Street and the introduction of double yellow lines around junctions in nearby roads.

The trial will last for at least six months to see if there is an improvement in traffic flow along the roads.

Councillor Huw Williams, who represents Barwell, said that he was welcoming the scheme.

He added: “I think it’s a good idea because Chapel Street currently doesn’t work well in terms of traffic, especially not since I’ve been there, which is 20 years.

“Something needs to change as everyone knows about the traffic issues there.

“I’ve spoken to a couple of residents and they seem very happy with it, but it’s only a trial, and that’s the point of a trial - only time will tell if it works or not.”

The initiative is part of a wider Leicestershire County Council scheme to improve the transport network in and around Hinckley.

Councillor Peter Osborne, county council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Both Queen Street and Chapel Street are fairly narrow and it can be very stop-start for two-way traffic negotiating cars parked along them.

“We want to see if changing the roads to one-way will make things easier and are keen to hear people’s feedback during the trial period.”

At the end of the trial, feedback will be presented to senior officers and local members for a decision on the future of the scheme.

Local residents, businesses and road users can comment on the trial by contacting the council’s traffic management department by calling 0116 305 0001, emailing or writing to the department at County Hall, Glenfield, Leicestershire, LE3 8ST.

For more information on the trial, visit www.leics.gov.uk/barwell_chapel_street_queen_street